Atuvis – Inspection of trains

ABOUT ATUVIS

Autonomous robot for train undercarriage visual inspection ATUVIS – a device that can carry out a full visual inspection directly on a track by moving the robot below the stationary train.

ATUVIS uses cognitive positioning/machine recognition and artificial intelligence to carry out autonomous inspection and it will be software upgrade hardware.

ATUVIS robot can move and maintain direction in the limited space between tracks on rough terrain due to sleepers and broken stone tamping. A completely wireless-controlled robot equipped with motors connected to traction wheels allows the robot to slightly change direction and follow the pathway between tracks. The robot carries a camera that can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the tracks.

CHALLENGE

Visual Inspection currently requires the train to be taken out of service and transferred to a static inspection pit.

Each of these operations represents additional costs in:

– diesel or electric

– train route access fee by infrastructure manager

– visual inspection service fee

– locomotive driver time

HOW IT WORKS

ATUVIS use cognitive positioning/machine recognition and artificial intelligence and will be able to carry out autonomous inspection. ATUVIS robot can move and maintain direction in the limited space between tracks on rough terrain due to sleepers and broken stone tamping. Inspection is done by an operator supported by artificial intelligence for defect identification.

BENEFITS

Reduction of operating costs

Performing visual inspection directly on track saves costs (track lease and electric power/fuel) for transporting the vehicle to the visual inspection pit. ATUVIS saves minimally 125€ per vehicle inspection according to the prices in Republic of Serbia (source: operator DESPOTIJA, 2021).

Reduction of maintenance costs

ATUVIS enables the shift from preventive-based to condition-based and predictive maintenance. In the rail sector, the combined efficiency gain through condition-based and predictive maintenance is expected to be around 15 - 25%, which translate to maintenance cost reductions of up to EUR 4 billion for operators (source: McKinsey, 2016).

Increase of capacity

Performing visual inspection directly on track saves route capacity for cargo and passenger transport, instead of reservation of routes for visual inspection related vehicle transport.

Increase of efficiency

ATUVIS allows to carry out undercarriage visual inspection in cases when train is waiting for the next run and increases efficiency of each locomotive.

Improving personal safety

ATUVIS will eliminate safety risks related to VI personnel appearing in the depot environment. In the UK alone, 1000 people are injured per year in the transport industry from slips, trips and falls (source: HSE, 2017).

Improving rail transport safety

ATUVIS enables more frequent visual inspection (even daily), crucial for safe and reliable rolling stock operation. It will visually identify a defect that could cause damage/accident earlier. Furthermore, it will reduce the reliance on subjective views of asset conditions.

Lower power consumption and railroad exploitation

ATUVIS decreases the visual inspection requested use of railroad (decreased infrastructure wear) and decreases power consumption (as well as CO2 emission), as positive impact not only for the operator but also for the environment.

TECH SPEC